Imagine that you are walking in your living room, when suddenly, you stumble. Maybe you catch yourself or maybe you are not. For many older adults, a simple misconduct can cause a disastrous decline.
According to the World Health Organization, Falls is the second major cause of injuries related to injuries in more than 65 people worldwide, but what if a simple balance test can help to guess who is at the highest risk- Before?
It is fine that the new research of Sao Paulo University suggested and his study published in BMC Geometrics challenged the effectiveness of traditional balance tests. This proposed more accurate, easy-to-demonstration method to assess the risk of decline.
Why is the old balance test low
Currently, doctors use four-position, 10-second balance test to examine issues of stability. In this, parallel to the legs, slightly offset, in the heel-to-foot stance and standing on one leg, but researchers found that the method could not capture the entire picture.
“Ten seconds in each situation are not enough,” explained by Deniella Christina Karwalho de Abreyu, lead researcher and coordinator of the Laboratory Laboratory of Balance Assessment and Rehabilitation at Sao Paulo University. “Our studies have shown that a long -term testing focusing on the most challenging positions provides a very clear indicator of the risk of fall.”
A better way to assess balance
Instead of testing several posts for short periods, the study suggested that extending the duration of the test to 30 second . This matters because researchers found that an old adults could hold these positions for each other other, the risk of their fall in the next six months decreased by 5%.
How long can you catch it?
While comparing those people who later fell from those who were striking differences:
- Those who fell, they could only hold a single-foot stance for those on an average of 10.4 seconds compared to 17.2 seconds.
- In the heel-to-foot stance, the future fallers lasted for 17.5 seconds, while non-colors managed to manage in 24.8 seconds.
These results suggest how long the time can maintain these challenging positions, it is a simple but powerful way to assess the possibility of falling.
Why it works (and why it is accessible)
The study originally used force platforms – expensive equipment that measures the body’s dominance – to analyze the balance but researchers found that how long can anyone stand in timing in position, it is equally effective. Is. “This is important because it simplifies the test, making it accessible in any doctor’s office or health center,” Dr. Abreu said.
Male vs. female: Who has better balance?
Interestingly, there was a gender difference in the study, where men demonstrated more body bolball than women, they were able to maintain positions for a long time. This suggests that some amount of movement can help with balance instead of really indicating poor stability.
A call for regular balance test
Despite having a major health concern, the balance test is rarely a regular part of healthcare for older adults. Researchers hope that their findings will encourage more doctors to implement these simple but effective tests in annual check-ups.
“We need a test that is simple, accelerated, and does not require expensive equipment,” Dr. Abreu insisted. “Our findings provide a practical model that can be used equally in primary care and expert consultations.”
Big picture
Falls are not just accidents – they are eligible to be stopped. The initial identity of balance issues can mean the difference between a minor stumbling and life-changing injury.
By including the balance test of this 30-second, healthcare provider can give old adults a better opportunity to stay on their feet-Bestly and rhetorical. So, next time you see your doctor, why don’t you ask the balance test? This can be the simplest way to protect your future dynamics and freedom.
Note the readers: This article is only for informative purposes and is not an option for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any question about a medical condition.
